Research & Innovation

Assessing the Impact of Pedestrian-Activated Crossing System

Summary:

Analysis of thousands of hours of video capturing pedestrian and vehicle interactions at rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) and High-intensity Activated crossWalK beacons (HAWKs) showed pedestrian and driver behavior in terms of crossing times and driver yield rates. A simulation model developed to determine the relationship between driver yielding behavior and pedestrian injury severity was unsuccessful at correlating yield rates with pedestrian safety. A large database of organized and collated pedestrian and vehicle interactions showed that pedestrian crossing times are shorter at RRFBs than at HAWKs. Generally, at pedestrian-activated crossings, pedestrians are more likely to activate systems at locations with a higher number of lanes. Drivers generally yield well at activated crossings, though the delay times and long sequences of flashing and solid yellow and red lights at HAWKs may encourage lower yield rates and longer crossing time delays. Research suggests that at RRFB sites with poor yield rates, replacement with a HAWK or overhead light system may improve driver behavior.

Final Deliverables:

• Assessing the Impact of Pedestrian-Activated Crossing System (Report #2020-13)
• Monitoring Pedestrian and Driver Behavior at Pedestrian-Activated Crossings (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator:  John Hourdos
Co-Principal Investigator:  Gary Davis, Gordon Parikh
Technical Liaison:  Melissa Barnes
Project Coordinator:  David Glyer
Panel Members: 
    Amy Marohn - City of Bloomington
    Ben Manibog - KLJ Engineering
    Bryan Nemeth  - Bolton & Menk Inc Consulting
    Jason Pieper - Hennepin County
    Jeff Pearson - WSB
    Jerry Kotzenmacher - Traffic Engineering
    Jordan Labat - Hennepin County
    Mackenzie Turner Bargen - Metro District
    Mao Yang - State Aid for Local Transp
    Phong Vu - Hennpin County
    Robin DeLage - District 3
    Sara Pflaum - Metro District
    Sonja Piper - Traffic Engineering